Passwords

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Apacer SSD forced itself into read-only mode -- how can this be reversed? Anyone know what pw Apacer uses? (slrpnk.net)

submitted 1 week ago by activistPnk@slrpnk.net to c/passwords@infosec.pub

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cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/21033639

The background is here. In short, an SSD with the “Apacer” brand froze itself into read-only mode, presumably due to reaching a point of poor reliability.

The data on the drive is useless. It was part way through installing linux when it happened. I would like to reverse that switch to make one last write operation (to write a live linux distro), which thereafter can be read-only.

I have heard some speculation that the manufacturer uses password to impose read-only mode. If true, then the password would be in the drive’s firmware. Does anyone know what Apacer uses for this password?

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[–] BilboBargains@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I wonder if there are cases where the system malfunctioned and went read only early? Presumably there would be some means of reversing it that you could exploit. Their customer service dept might have the answer.

[–] activistPnk@slrpnk.net 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

In this case it’s an “Apacer” drive.. some no name brand. It seems unlikely that I would be able to track down a responsive customer service worker. Seems like really a long-shot because even if I reach someone they will consider it a waste of their time and money that they are even talking to someone well after a warranty period is over. And from there, anything that enables someone to put a product back into service rather than buy a new drive is probably treated as a trade secret. Perhaps some social engineering could be used to reach an employee disgruntled enough to help.

[–] BilboBargains@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago

It sucks that we can't maintain much of our machinery. This problem is most acute with anything that has embedded code. Good luck with your search.